Obesity
What is Obesity?
Obesity is defined as an excessively high amount of body fat in relation to lean body mass.
Obesity and overweight are chronic conditions and are risk factors for many other chronic medical illnesses.
Obesity is expanding at an alarming rate as a major health concern throughout the world.
Obesity and overweight is caused by a complex combination of factors, including:
- Energy imbalance
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Environmental factors
- Genetics
- Family history
- Disease conditions
- Medicines
- Emotional factors
- Age
Consequences of Obesity
What are the health consequences of obesity?
- Major health consequences
- Premature death (shorter life expectancy)
- People with obesity have more risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers (breast, uterine, colon), breathing difficulties (e.g., sleep apnea, asthma), arthritis, pregnancy complications, gall bladder problems, urinary incontinence, depression and digestive disorders (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
- Risks to psychological and social well-being
- Negative self-image
- Social isolation
- Discrimination
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